Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Fantasy News

Peyton Barber - Faces stiff competition from second-rounder

4/29/18

NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Peyton Barber

Barber was the Bucs' top backfield option by the end of last season, arguably by default. He was undeniably serviceable -- albeit unspectacular -- over his five games as the lead back, compiling 335 yards at a solid clip of 4.3 yards per carry. Big plays, one of the primary assets that Jones brings to the table, were almost completely absent from Barber's repertoire, as he logged just one run of 20 or more yards all season. In contrast, Jones posted at least one run of 40-plus yards in 12 of 40 college games, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. Barber also did little of note through the air (16 receptions on 19 targets), whereas Jones at least offers theoretical upside in that area, though he only caught 32 passes in three seasons at USC. While Jones' slight frame (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) might prove somewhat of a challenge for him at the next level, Barber could see his workload increasingly shift to short-yardage situations as the rookie acclimates to the NFL. The Bucs figure to let this battle play out throughout mini-camps, training camp and the preseason, while Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims figure to compete for work in passing situations.